
Luk 18:6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
Luk 18:7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
Lu 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
When I lift my eyes and look at the world today, I say to myself “That is a very good question.”
People have faith in various things, but in the One true God? It is rare. I find myself going to the words of Jesus often in the gospel of John where he encourages and warns his disciples and all of us who follow Him, that we would be hated of all men, and that if they hated Him, they would hate us.
Many of the churches in my area have closed up, some of the buildings have been converted into retail stores, or other functions. Other’s that are still having services are doing so in form only; spiritually they are dead. It is a social event, a buffet of entertainment. Jesus said in John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by Me." Do we believe this? If so, why don't we follow what He says? It is rare to see someone come to church with a bible.
People avoid the subject of sickness, serious illness, and death until they have to face it. This is natural, no one wants to face their mortality. But, over the years I've watched with sadness as one after another has chosen to leave this world, rejecting the only one who can give them the assurance of heaven, and eternal life. The choices we make here, seal our fate for eternity.
But, God is still on the Throne, Jesus is Lord of Lords, and He is coming again.
In Elijah’s day, in his hour of discouragement, the Lord spoke to Him and let him know he still had 7,000 who had not bowed the knee to Baal. God has His remnant today. Joseph spent many years a prisoner, seemingly forgotten by the world; but God had not forgotten Him. In the end, Joseph came through his hour of testing; and saw the hand of God restore his life, and use him mightily. Paul spent his life spreading the gospel, suffering relentless persecution, but just before his home-going made the declaration:
2ti 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 2ti 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
This must be our declaration also. We who are still here, and serving Him must keep our hands to the plow, and make our furrows straight. One day, it will all be worth it. I remind myself of this, as much as anyone.
Let’s look for the day when we hear Him say “Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of thy Lord.”
Lorna Couillard