As the rain and snow

“I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge… so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 1:4-5,7-8

“The Lord makes firm the steps
    of the one who delights in him;
though he may stumble, he will not fall,
    for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” Psalm 37:23-24

“I was pushed hard, so that I was falling,
    but the Lord helped me.
The Lord is my strength and my song;
    he has become my salvation.” Psalm 118:13-14

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” Jude 1:24-25

The apostles knew what it was to be sustained because they knew the Sustainer. Having learned from Jesus himself, they were aware of resurrection power fueling life here on earth, as well as that righteous power to keep them faultless to the end. They knew the Source of life and strength, and were indwelt by the ever-present Spirit who gave them understanding and the will to apply. Their confidence in Christ’s finished work fortified the daily life of faith. (1 Corinthians 1:30; 2:9-12)

Temptations and snares constantly threaten us. The prince of this world cannot have our souls, so he relentlessly connives with tricks of darkness and gale-force storms to make us fall, hard. The Christian is called to thank God always for His grace, steady enriching, and strong keeping that help us stand strong and endure to the end. In every slip and stumble, we must hold to His promise that imparts and sustains our righteousness. Only Jesus faced every temptation and remained faultless, yet He is our ever present help. (Psalm 46:1-3; Hebrews 4:15-16)

In what particular areas do I feel pushed? What hard circumstances, rejection, or opposition tempt me to give up, lash out, or give in? How can I more expressly delight in Christ’s victory and endure in His ability? The hope of future joy goads, inspires, and fortifies. Lamentations 3:22-23

“My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
O may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.” ~Edwards Mote (1834)

Lord, help me stand firm in You and keep the faith all my days, to the praise of Your dominion and glory.

“After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And [Paul] went to see them, and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath…

“After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila…  They came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews… When they asked him to stay for a longer period, he declined. But on taking leave of them he said, ‘I will return to you if God wills,’ and he set sail from Ephesus.

“A Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.” Acts 18:1-4,18-19,24-26

“Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. Greet also the church in their house.” Romans 16:3-5a

Against the backdrop of unforeseen and likely unwanted circumstances, Priscilla and Aquila burn bright with the love of Christ. Displaced by Roman authority to Corinth, they became well acquainted with Paul there and joined in on Christ’s mission. Industrious as nomad tent-makers, and flexible by faith, they made the most of every place the Lord planted them. In Ephesus they came alongside and nurtured Apollos, who then embarked on effective ministry building churches. They made disciples while hosting a church in their home, and likely participated in saving Paul’s life during a riot in the city. Their life on fire for the gospel and hearty Christian love encouraged and supported churches throughout area. (Acts 18:27-28; 19:28-31; 1 Corinthians 3:5-6; 16:19)

When we come to Christ, we do not know how and where He will use us. Once the Lord Jesus sets our souls on fire, and we cooperate with His Spirit by opening our home, voice, and schedule, there is no limit to what He can do. He plants, moves, uses as He intends to build His kingdom.

God calls some to home or local ministry, some to wider, even world-wide influence. Different life seasons may dictate location and method. How available are we for the portion of divine work to be done? Where has He placed us at present? It’s our responsibility to surrender and obey, and His to cause growth. (1 Corinthians 3:7-13)

Have we self-imposed parameters around where and how we’ll serve? Might the Lord broaden our boundaries to expand His work, develop vision, faith, or skills, demote our pride, or teach greater trust? Where have we, out of fear, stubbornness, insecurity, or selfish insistence, limited needed, effective ministry to others?

Lord, ignite me by Your Spirit for Your will and mission, that I burn bright for Your glory.

“Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you,.. that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught…

“The angel said, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. You will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David,.. and of his kingdom there will be no end…

“’The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.'” Luke 1:1-4,30-33,35

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life.., so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ…

“By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God…

“By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit…

“ I write these things to you who believe.., that you may know that you have eternal life…. We know that the Son of God has come and given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” 1 John 1:1-3; 4:2-3,13; 5:13,19-20

The Holy Spirit inspired the minds and pens of every scripture writer. They knew they were recording God’s truth to be proclaimed, and that it was the living word that would convince of its own verity and power. The Lord revealed Himself so people could be sure He is who He says He is and that He loves and saves like none other. (John 14:16-17; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21)

The Holy Spirit confirms with our spirit what is true. Am I sure that Christ died for me so I could live, that He paid the penalty for my sin so I never need carry its burden of guilt and shame again? Am I convinced of my eternal standing, owning not just a wish but certain hope of eternal salvation? If I’m not, what doubts hold me back? Any trust in self over the finished work of Christ, or in popular worldly mantras over the word of Christ, breeds uncertainty and insecurity. (Romans 8:16)

Who in my sphere of influence needs assurance in life and death? How is the Lord inspiring me to speak His truth to them, and when will I? How diligently am I praying for them, and taking opportunities He gives? The more we’re established in faith, the more motivated we are to make Christ known.

Father, keep me steadfast, sure, and eagerly assuring others.

“And Mary said:

‘My soul glorifies the Lord
    and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
    of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
   for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
    holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
    from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
    he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
    but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
    but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
    remembering to be merciful…’

“When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy…

“His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:

‘Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
    because he has come to his people and redeemed them.
He has raised up a horn of salvation for us…
  to show mercy to our ancestors
    and to remember his holy covenant,
   the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to rescue us from the hand of our enemies,
    and to enable us to serve him without fear
   in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

‘And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;
    for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,
to give his people the knowledge of salvation
    through the forgiveness of their sins,
because of the tender mercy of our God,
    by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
to shine on those living in darkness
    and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace.'” Luke 1:46-54,57-58,67-69a,72-79

From eternal design to foreshadowing to announcement of His birth to His death and resurrection, mercy thrums a steady beat in the gift of Jesus. Mary received the angel Gabriel’s message as an extension of her God’s mercy, and Zechariah knew that it was for the sake of God’s mercy his son John was born and would proclaim the message of salvation’s peace. God’s great love for His people works continually to express His heart of mercy, free for the taking. (Genesis 3:6-13,21; Isaiah 53:4-6,10)

As recipients of this mercy, we must never forget and always proceed in His gracious gift. Humbling ourselves before the majesty of God and exquisite expression of His mercy to us in Christ, we will fall on our knees in wonder and gratitude. Being filled, we enjoy it with thanksgiving and spill it out, passing it on to generations.

Have we received His astounding mercy to us, secured in His salvation? How have we been transformed by it? In what specific ways are we planting love’s beauties around us, and showing mercy as we have been shown? What individuals or situations need God’s gift of fresh mercy this day, and what part will we take in making introduction or serving as a conduit? (Lamentations 3:22-23; Matthew 5:7; Romans 9:15; Philippians 2:2–11).

Lord, grateful for Your gift, may I generously abound in mercy to others.

“Though they wished to dispute with him,
    they could not answer him one time out of a thousand.
His wisdom is profound, his power is vast.
    Who has resisted him and come out unscathed?
He moves mountains without their knowing it
    and overturns them in his anger.
He shakes the earth from its place
    and makes its pillars tremble.
He speaks to the sun and it does not shine;
    he seals off the light of the stars.
He alone stretches out the heavens
    and treads on the waves of the sea.
He is the Maker of the Bear and Orion,
    the Pleiades and the constellations of the south.
He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed,
    miracles that cannot be counted.
When he passes me, I cannot see him;
    when he goes by, I cannot perceive him.
If he snatches away, who can stop him?
    Who can say to him, ‘What are you doing?’” Job 9:3-12

After his ‘friend’ Bildad told him his misery was due to unconfessed sin and he should repent, Job replied with a defense of God. Though His ways were confounding, there was no contending with His wisdom and power. He alone made and moved and upheld the universe, and His ways with creation and creatures could not be fathomed. Job, suffering as he was, would be content with knowing that his God was sovereign and would do what He would do for His mysterious, wonderful reasons. (Job 8:1-6)

It is unredeemed human nature to want to contend with God. We plan and push to get our way, and He interrupts to change direction. We set schedules and work with impatience, only to find His timing is not ours. We desire good things and grow frustrated when they are not fulfilled. We think we’ve ordered our lives and raised our children wisely and get crushed by rebellion, stunning news, or a harrowing diagnosis. The flesh shakes its fist, the mind wrestles and reasons, the spirit asks why and how long. But the soul can be at rest and content, because God reigns from His unshakeable throne.

Have we been wrongly accused? Rejected, turned away, dismissed, turned down? How are we suffering in body or soul? People might castigate from haughtiness, or blame out of self-righteousness, supposing they can arbitrate with and control evils that befall man. But the Lord knows the way we take, and is always on our side working His good, even when we cannot see. Let us hush, wonder, and choose peace. (Job 23:10; Romans 8:28-39)

“When peace like a river attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
‘It is well, it is well with my soul.’

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control:
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and has shed his own blood for my soul.

My sin oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
my sin, not in part, but the whole,
is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more;
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

It is well with my soul;
it is well, it is well with my soul.” ~Horatio Spafford (1873)

Lord, in every darkness, help me rest content in Your constant light.

“Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not… must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them…

“One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each should be fully convinced in their own mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. None of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord…

“Why do you judge your brother or sister or… treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat… [and] give an account of ourselves to God.

“Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died.” Romans 14:1-3,5-8,10,12-15

Paul gives a spiritual reset for the Roman saints who get tripped up over dietary restrictions. The former strict Pharisee, transformed by Christ’s redeeming grace, describes how to live out the Christian life in genuine, generous love as he zeroes in on persnickety eating and judging habits. They might think they’re doing things right but still be caught in manmade rules and attitudes of superiority and condescension. If they were truly, wholeheartedly living for Christ, they would be loving their fellow believers well. (Romans 1:7; 12:3-13)

How easily the self-righteous fall into self-centeredness! It is Satan’s ruse to muddy the understanding, experience, and exercise of freedom that salvation imparts. How we treat God’s children is a clear indication of how surrendered we are to the Savior. Whether we’re living for Him or ourselves, espouse His dictates or our own, we will answer to the true Master. Looking down on others in judgment for their conscience-led decisions smacks of pride from which Jesus freed us. (Romans 12:1-2)

What do attitudes toward and treatment of fellow believers reveal about our own hearts for Jesus? Does insecurity, ingrained but unconfessed sin, callousness, or arrogance drive our condemnatory spirit? Do we castigate others’ faith while neglecting to tend to our own?

Do we measure others’ behavior by personal standards and preferences, or by God’s word and grace? Do we impose our convictions and expectations, or humbly pray for and respect theirs? How can we turn from a critical, judgmental mindset to one smothered in God’s love? Honestly assessing our attitudes and words will uncover wrong thinking and free us to love rightly. (Romans 14:17-15:3)

Lord, may I fully surrender to living and loving for You and Your sake, to the church’s strengthening and Your glory.

“Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there.

“The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.” Genesis 39:1-6a

Joseph could not have been happy about his brothers’ cruel and unfair treatment, or being sold to Ishmaelite traders and transported to Egypt. But he knew and served his God even after being bought by one of Pharoah’s officers as a slave. The Lord gave him such success that Potiphar took note and elevated him in his household. What Joseph’s brothers had meant for evil God was using, in His long, broad plan, for the good of many. His plan would flourish under and through this rejected, displaced servant who chose to honor God and serve His purposes wherever he was. (Genesis 37:18-28; 39:23; 41:50-52; 50:19-21)

There are opportunities every day to rest in and exercise the Lord’s presence. We interact, work, organize, purchase, recreate, often without considerable friction, subconsciously counting on His favor. Our pleasure and success may seem to others to come by our own hand.

But when circumstances go against us, and taunt with temptation to get angry, blame God, and turn our backs, He might be perfectly positioning us to stand out and make Him obvious. Continued dependence on and trust in Him during the most challenging times will fortify our resolve and brighten our witness.

How steadily do we remain faithful to the Lord when all else goes against us? How might the backdrop of dark times allow a brilliant confidence in Him to shine to those watching? What about our spirit, countenance, interest in or treatment of others reflects the Lord’s nature? How can we cultivate wisdom, love, and grace in Him, so those who do not know God recognize His presence? When we get out of the way, and go about duties with His excellence and zeal, the Lord Jesus becomes obvious, His favor and handiwork evident. What better way to show Him off and make Him known to a needy world? (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 3:15-16)

‘I am with you,’ I hear Him say,
‘To walk beside you day by day.
To fill you with wisdom, hope, and good,
To keep and guide you as you should

‘Walk before Me, and serve others
To bring them favor, love your brothers.
The closer you follow and trust they’ll see
It is not you, but always Me.’ (PEB)

Lord, make me faithful, so steady obedience and faithful service proclaim Your excellencies and make obvious Your favor and glory. (1 Peter 2:9)

“Jesus said to them, ‘You will all fall away, for it is written, “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.”‘  Peter said, ‘Even though they all fall away, I will not.’ ‘Simon, Simon, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat,  but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail… I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.’  But he said emphatically, ‘If I must die with you, I will not deny you…’

“They went to Gethsemane. He said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I pray.’ And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. He said to them, ‘My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.’ Going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed.., ‘Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.’ And he came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, ‘Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak…’ 

“While he was still speaking, Judas came…  and said, ‘Rabbi!’ and kissed him. And they seized him. Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear…

“Peter followed him at a distance, into the courtyard of the high priest. He was sitting with the guards and warming himself at the fire…

“One of the servant girls of the high priest… looked at him and said, ‘You were with Jesus.’ But he denied it, ‘I neither know nor understand what you mean.’ And he went out into the gateway and… again he denied it… The bystanders said to Peter, ‘Certainly you are one of them…’ But he began to invoke a curse on himself and swear, ‘I do not know this man…’ Immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered [what] Jesus had said… And he broke down and wept.” Mark 14:27,29-38,43a,45-46,50,54,66-68,70-72; Luke 22:31-32; John 18:20)

After spending three years alongside Jesus, even after explicit warnings from Him, Peter fell hard. He fell asleep, askew, aback, and away. This disciple who was full on for his Christ could not shake the persistent gravity of temptation to fall. Bold, brazen, and bumbling was he. As the cross loomed near, the rooster’s repeated crow awakened him to his folly, and ultimately he fell on the mercy of his Savior. (Matthew 16:15-16,21-23)

Satan delights to tempt Christ’s followers. He sees devotion, hears pledges of fealty, and works craftily to poke in weak places. Jesus warns us, prays for us, and urges us to watch and pray. We must beware the luring of complacency, the pitfalls of confidence, and the fallings that discourage us away from victory.

How alert are we to recognize weak flesh and avoid falling? How vigilantly do we hide God’s word in, and guard, our hearts? How will we more carefully put on His armor every day? With whom are we accountable not to indulge the flesh? Christ lovingly empowers willing spirits. (Psalm 119:9-12; Ephesians 6:10-18; Romans 13:14)

“To him who is able to keep you from falling and present you blameless before his glorious presence with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority… forever.” Jude 1:24-25

Amen!

“In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah… And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.” Luke 1:5-7

In human thinking, every check mark was ticked off: Priestly lineage, righteous, devoted, blameless, obedient. He was even serving the Lord as priest. But Zechariah and Elizabeth’s God-given desire for and joy of children was not to be. From an earthly vantage point, it would seem that these favors from God would deserve man’s description of blessing also bestowed by Him, but He sees and works differently from us. His timing and ways are not measured as we would. (Job 1:1-2:10; Isaiah 55:8-9)

Yes, the Lord is good through and through, and with Him are many guarantees, but through the limited lens of man, sometimes they seem contrary to reason. We cannot grasp His whys and hows, and in our wondering are called to trust His Who. Only in knowing Him and His character can we be certain of the assurances we can trust and see His grace in them all.

God has not guaranteed that all our desires and plans will be fulfilled, but He has promised that if we delight in Him, He’ll shape those desires and fulfill His plans. He has not guaranteed we’ll have many years on earth, but He does know the full number of our days and promises abundant life. There are no guarantees that life will be easy, but it is true that He works all things together for His children’s good. There’s no guarantee of justice on earth, but it’s true that God is just. It is not guaranteed that we can do and succeed in anything, but we can know that nothing impossible with God. (Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 37:4; 139:16; Isaiah 14:24; Luke 1:37; John 10:10; Romans 8:28)

How do these truths reorient and reshape our mindset, wants, and prayers? How can they take us beyond shallow, emotional yearning to deep spiritual hunger? The higher we think of God, the vaster we see His purposes- that He might withhold to prove His sustenance, or chafe to prove His comfort.

“How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in God’s excellent Word!
What more can be said than to you God hath said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
for I will be near thee, thy troubles to bless,
and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
my grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
the flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake.” ~R. Keen (1787)

Lord, in every circumstance, difficulty, and conundrum, help me rejoice in and trust Your guarantees.

“[John] went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins… He said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits in keeping with repentance… Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.’

“And the crowds asked him, ‘What then shall we do?’ And he answered ‘Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.’ Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, ‘Teacher, what shall we do?’ And he said to them, ‘Collect no more than you are authorized to do.’ Soldiers also asked him, ‘And we, what shall we do?’ And he said to them, ‘Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.’” Luke 3:3,7-14

The announcement of John the Baptist to prepare for Jesus evoked a clamor of curiosity and confusion. The crowds thought it advantageous to flee God’s wrath by getting baptized, to see the salvation of God, but didn’t seem to understand the deeper significance of genuine repentance. John explained that once identifying with God, there should ensue an outflow of good deeds. God’s great work of forgiving sins should necessarily be followed by fruit borne from that forgiven heart. (Luke 3:4-6)

Many succumb to the devil’s ruse to hold to the great thing and neglect the good things to follow. We’re forgiven, so then free to behave as we want, because God’s grace will keep flowing. If we err, we might serve penance or make reparations by insincere devotion, but under that discombobulated reasoning, fail to give ourselves to genuine good things that the Lord demands. True repentance and identification with Jesus creates compulsion to do the works that He prescribes. (Romans 6:1-2)

Do I ask for divine direction, then give reasons why my way is better? Do I pretend to espouse God’s will, then make excuses not to obey? It is not until I grasp the very great thing Jesus has done on my behalf that I begin to desire His will above my own. Only then are surrender and sacrifice an eager, whole-hearted response.

What good things will I do to adorn the exquisite love and salvation of the Lord Jesus? He calls some to large scale, some to small, some to world-wide investment, some to regional. Our ministry might be wide-sweeping or narrow and granular, public or private. What is it for me? How faithful and steadfast am I to do every particular thing for His glory and others’ good? He who calls will indeed supply. (2 Corinthians 9:8; Galatians 6:9-10; Hebrews 13:16; James 1:22,26-27)

“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21

Father, keep my heart so full of gratitude for the great things done on my behalf that I overflow with good to those around me, to Your glory.