To the End

“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—  even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you— 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. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:4-9

“When Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him,  Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist.  Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” John 13:1-5

Paul thanks God because His grace saves, and enriches His people, and confirms His testimony among them. This work in His people is noted as part of His continual activity in their lives. Since God is eternal, so His keeping and love, and every facet of His character, are constant to the end. Every promise of His is yes and amen in Jesus Christ, forever. From beginning to the end, the Lord sustains His own. God and His Son are always and completely who they are, upholding and fulfilling every aspect of divine personality and intention in the lives of their own. Could we have any better security or surer hope? (Psalm 90:1-2; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Philippians 1:6; Revelation 1:8)

In our temporal throw-away world, we hardly know what everlasting is anymore. Job roles get disrupted, we move places and homes, marriages crumble, storms alter landscapes. We get let down, disappointed, deceived by a barrage of circumstances and individuals. Change is common currency. But in Christ we find a sure constant, the eternal One who does not change like shifting shadows. (Psalm 119:89; James 1:17)

How are we acquainting ourselves with the eternity of God? Do we take concentrated time away from bristle and busy to spend in His timeless word, listing, reciting, and meditating on His varied infinite attributes? Are we familiar enough with His promises to match anxiety-producing temporal cares to His everlastings, and find rest? What do His keeping, and sustaining, and love mean to our ever-changing lives, and any proclivity to fret or fear?

As a reflection of His character, how can we develop deeper, long-lasting commitments in our lives? With whom and what are we truly consistent to the end? Is the word of God sustaining us as daily food? Is His love our lifeline? How does His keeping guard us in confidence and hope? The measureless, constant Sovereign will never falter or fail.

Everlasting Lord, may I mimic, and love, and honor, and praise Thee forever for Your eternal constancy and goodness.